AFTER a surge in on-farm accidents with power infrastructure, SA Power Networks and the Board of Grain Producers SA have met to discuss action to reduce incidents.
Incidents across the SA in 2021 and 2022, doubled, compared with previous years.
Most incidents occurred on Eyre Peninsula with 17 in 2021 and 2022, while the Mid North had 13 and Yorke Peninsula, 6.
There are more than 190,000 Stobie poles and 35,000 kilometres of powerline across SA's cropping regions.
Grain Producers SA CEO Brad Perry said the meeting created positive discussion about opportunities to mitigate the risk for grain producers when interacting with power infrastructure on their properties.
"We want to look closely at why these incidents are happening and what practical measures can be taken to help improve on-farm safety," Mr Perry said.
"Our discussions with SA Power Networks have shown many incidents are occurring in broad daylight with machinery running straight over the top of stobie poles and I think we need to better understand why this is happening.
Mr Perry said it was difficult to pinpoint a particular reason why collisions had risen.
"We are not sure what has happened in the past two years to cause a spike in the number of collisions between grain producer equipment and power infrastructure.
"It could be a combination of distraction due to technology, less experienced work force, larger and faster machinery or fatigue and boredom.
"We shouldn't underestimate the challenges for grain producers when interacting with power infrastructure on their property, but we also need to provide them with as much education and awareness on the matter so we don't see serious injury or loss of life."
SA Power Networks executive general manager, Doug Schmidt, said each incident was potentially life-threatening.
"No job is more important than the safety of everyone on the farm.
"We believe there are many issues involved and so there is no single fix. We certainly agree with the GPSA Board that we need to work together to identify solutions to prevent these incidents."
Farmers can check the location of SA's electricity distribution infrastructure on their properties via www.lookupandlive.com.
